Famous Irish Athletes

Anna Geary is a prominent figure in the world of camogie, having achieved success both as a player and as a coach. She has represented her county, Cork, at the highest level and has won numerous titles throughout her career. In addition to her achievements on the field, Anna has also made a name for herself as a television personality, appearing on various shows and using her platform to promote women in sports. Her passion for camogie and dedication to the sport have made her a respected figure in the Irish sporting community.

Henry Shefflin is an Irish hurling manager and former player known for his directive style, dominance, competitive spirit, and leadership on the field. He was the manager of the Galway senior hurling team and enjoyed a successful playing career, earning the nickname "King Henry." Shefflin is widely regarded as the best player in the history of hurling, winning numerous awards and accolades including three 'hurler of the year' titles. He is one of the most decorated players of all time, achieving great success with Kilkenny and Ballyhale Shamrocks.

Joseph Canning is an accomplished Irish hurler known for his exceptional skills and achievements in both club and inter-county hurling. Throughout his 14-season career with the Galway senior hurling team, Canning has garnered numerous accolades, including five All-Star awards and being named GAA-GPA Hurler of the Year in 2017. He holds records for scoring and appearances, showcasing his prowess as a prolific scorer. Canning's success extends to his club side, Portumna, where he has secured multiple County and All-Ireland Championship titles, solidifying his status as one of hurling's greatest players.

Lee Chin is a talented Irish hurler known for his contributions to both his club, Faythe Harriers, and the Wexford senior hurling team. His professional life revolves around training, competing, and representing his team at various levels of competition. As a key player, he showcases exceptional skills and leadership qualities on the field, inspiring his teammates and fans alike. Lee Chin's dedication to the sport and his consistent performance make him a valuable asset to both his club and the Wexford senior hurling team.

Derval O'Rourke is an accomplished former sprint hurdles athlete from Ireland, known for her expertise in the 60 and 100 meters hurdles. She holds the Irish national record in the 60 meters hurdles. Throughout her career, O'Rourke represented Ireland in various international competitions, including two Indoor World Championships, five Outdoor World Championships, and three Summer Olympics. Her dedication and skill have solidified her reputation as one of Ireland's most successful and respected athletes in the realm of sprint hurdles.

Ashling Thompson is an accomplished Irish sportswoman known for her prowess in camogie. She represents both her local club, Milford, and the Cork county team, showcasing her exceptional skills on the field. With a strong passion for the sport, Ashling has garnered recognition for her dedication and talent, earning a respected reputation within the camogie community. Her professional career is marked by numerous achievements and contributions to the sport, making her a notable figure in the world of camogie.

Eoin Cody is a talented hurler known for his impressive skills on the field. He plays for the Kilkenny Senior Championship club Ballyhale Shamrocks, where he showcases his abilities as a corner-forward. In addition to his club commitments, Cody also represents the Kilkenny senior hurling team at inter-county level, demonstrating his dedication and passion for the sport. With a strong presence on the field, Cody consistently delivers standout performances and contributes significantly to the success of both his club and county teams.

Davy Fitzgerald is an accomplished Irish hurling manager and former player. He had a successful club career with Sixmilebridge, winning multiple championships. At the inter-county level, he achieved great success with Clare, winning two All-Ireland Championships and three Munster Championships. Fitzgerald has also excelled in team management, guiding Waterford to a Munster Championship title and Clare to an All-Ireland title. He later managed Wexford, winning the Leinster Championship. Fitzgerald's expertise and leadership have made him a prominent figure in the world of hurling.

Gearóid M. Hegarty is a versatile athlete known for his skills in both hurling and Gaelic football. He currently plays as a right wing-forward for St Patrick's at the club level, showcasing his talent and dedication to the sport. Representing the Limerick senior hurling team, Hegarty has made significant contributions to the team's success. His previous involvement with the Limerick senior football team demonstrates his versatility and adaptability as a player, highlighting his commitment to excelling in multiple facets of Gaelic sports.

Cian Lynch is an accomplished Irish hurler known for his exceptional skill level and teamwork. Playing as a centre forward for Limerick Championship club Patrickswell and the Limerick senior team, he has captained his club and earned a reputation as a "midfield magician." Lynch has won numerous titles, including four All-Ireland Championship titles, three Munster Championship titles, and two National Hurling League titles. He has been recognized with multiple awards, including being named on various All-Star teams and winning the GAA–GPA Player of the Month and All-Star Hurler of the Year awards.

T. J. Reid is an acclaimed Irish hurler known for his exceptional skills as a centre-forward. He has had a successful career both at club and inter-county levels. Starting with Ballyhale Shamrocks, he has secured numerous All-Ireland Club Championships and captained the team to victory in 2015. Joining the Kilkenny senior hurling team in 2007, Reid has made significant contributions, winning multiple All-Ireland Championships, Leinster Championships, and National League titles. He holds the record for the highest number of points scored in the All-Ireland championship.

Sonia O'Sullivan is an accomplished Irish former track and field athlete known for her impressive career achievements. She has won multiple gold and silver medals at prestigious events such as the World Championships and Olympic Games. O'Sullivan holds world records in the 2000 m event and is recognized for her strong performances in various distances, including 1500 m, 3000 m, 5000 m, and 10,000 m races. Her exceptional speed and competitive spirit have solidified her reputation as one of the top athletes in the sport.

Martin John Sheridan was a highly successful athlete who achieved great success in the field of track and field. He was a three-time Olympic Games gold medallist and was renowned for his exceptional skills and achievements in various events. He was part of a group of Irish-American athletes known as the "Irish Whales" and left a lasting legacy in the world of sports. His professional career was marked by numerous victories and accolades, solidifying his reputation as one of the greatest athletes of his time.

Richie Hogan is a former Irish hurler known for his successful career with the Kilkenny county team from 2007 to 2023. He played as a midfielder and was a key player in the team, winning numerous All-Ireland, Leinster, and National Hurling League medals. Hogan also had success at the club level with Danesfort, winning All-Ireland and Leinster titles. He was recognized for his skills and contributions to the sport, establishing himself as a respected figure in the hurling community.

Edward Joseph Brennan is an accomplished Irish hurling manager and former player. He had a successful career with the Kilkenny senior team, winning numerous championships and accolades. After retiring from playing, Brennan transitioned into a career in sports broadcasting while also continuing his work in the policing field. Known for his goal-scoring abilities, Brennan received multiple awards and honors throughout his career, solidifying his status as one of the greatest players of his era.

Brian Cody is an Irish former hurling manager and player known for his successful career with the Kilkenny county team. He managed the team from 1998 to 2022, leading them to numerous victories, including eleven All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship titles and multiple other major honors. Cody is widely recognized as one of the greatest hurling managers in history, having achieved unprecedented provincial and national dominance during his tenure. His professional legacy is defined by his remarkable success and longevity in the sport.

Declan Hannon is a prominent Irish hurler known for his role as captain of the Limerick senior hurling team. He has achieved significant success, leading Limerick to victory in the All Ireland hurling title in 2018, 2020, 2021, and 2022. Notably, he became the first Limerick captain since Mick Mackey to achieve this feat twice and the first hurling captain to lift the Liam MacCarthy Cup a record four times. Hannon typically plays as a centre-back, showcasing his exceptional skills and leadership on the field.

Eamonn Christopher Coghlan is an Irish former track and field athlete known for his success in middle distance track events and the 5,000 meters. He is a three-time Olympian, world champion in the 5,000 m, and held the world indoor mile record. Coghlan had a successful amateur career in Ireland before winning four NCAA titles in the United States. Post-retirement, he continued to race, setting records, and also served as a Senator from 2011 to 2016.

Liam Cahill is an accomplished figure in Irish hurling, transitioning from a successful playing career to become a respected manager. With experience as both a player and selector, Cahill has honed his skills and knowledge of the sport. As the current manager of the Tipperary county team, he took on a prestigious role in July 2022. Known for his strategic approach and leadership qualities, Cahill continues to make significant contributions to the sport through his coaching and management abilities.

Anthony Nash had a successful professional hurling career, playing for Kanturk and Limerick Championship Club South Liberties clubs. He excelled as a goalkeeper for the Cork senior hurling team for 15 seasons, earning accolades such as All-Ireland Club Championship winners' medal and four All-Ireland Intermediate Championships. Nash also represented divisional sides and universities, winning a Fitzgibbon Cup medal. With achievements including multiple Munster Championship wins, All-Star awards, and a Railway Cup medal, Nash's dedication and skill solidified his legacy in the sport.

Maeve Esther "Flumpy" Enid Kyle, OBE, is an accomplished Irish Olympic athlete and hockey player with a remarkable career spanning multiple disciplines. She excelled in track and field, participating in various Olympic Games and European Championships, achieving notable successes such as a bronze medal at the 1966 European Indoor Athletics Championships. Kyle also made significant contributions to hockey, earning numerous caps and accolades before transitioning into coaching and receiving prestigious awards for her outstanding achievements in sports.

Alistair Cragg is a renowned South African-born track and field athlete who has represented Ireland in various competitions. He has set national records in both the 5000 meters and 10,000 meters events. Cragg is known for his exceptional performances in the 3000 meters and 5000 meters races. He has achieved the European road running record in the 5 km event with a remarkable time of 13:26, established in Carlsbad, California. Cragg's professional career has been marked by numerous accomplishments and records in long-distance running.

Sophie O'Sullivan is an accomplished Irish athlete known for her success in middle-distance running. She has won medals at prestigious events such as the European Athletics U18 Championships and the European Athletics U23 Championships. O'Sullivan also represented the University of Washington in NCAA track and field competitions before graduating with a degree in journalism and public interest. Her dedication to athletics and academic pursuits has solidified her reputation as a talented and driven individual in both sports and academics.

Leon Reid is a former British-Irish track and field sprinter known for his achievements in the 200 meters event. He has won multiple medals at prestigious competitions, including a bronze at the 2018 Commonwealth Games and a silver at the 2013 European Under-23 Championships. Reid also secured silver at the 2013 European U20 Championships and has claimed five Irish national titles, primarily in the 200 meters category. His professional career is marked by consistent success and a strong presence in the sprinting world.